MELBOURNE! DANDELION: A VIETNAMESE FLAVOUR INFUSION

DANDELION - 133 ORMOND ROAD, ELWOOD 3184 VIC

Fish curry and the BEST corn you will ever eat!

One of the biggest challenges I (Christina) face as a food blogger is choosing my favourite cuisine. I know, #firstworldproblems. Lately, I am tossing up between Italian and Vietnamese, luckily my Nonna doesn't know what the Internet is and will never read this because after Dandelion, Vietnamese is the clear winner right now.

Dandelion invited us to their home in the quiet suburban area of Elwood. The intimate dining area is deep and narrow, framed with a wall garden, making you feel like you're somewhere in the Vietnam countryside.

Via Instagram @DandelionDining 

Our night was already off to a great start with the excellent service we received from Az. He suggested items on the menu, which did not disappoint.

Crab Spring Rolls $7 each and Green Rice Fried Tiger Prawns $7 each

To begin our feast we started with the Crab Spring Rolls, wrapped in crunchy lattice rice paper and flash fried. I absolutely love anything wrapped in lattice rice paper and then paired with the crisp lettuce and dipped in chili sauce - heaven! The only thing I would say is there needs to be more crab. But, that's because you can never have enough crab. The Green Rice Fried Tiger Prawns were another delicious starter. I love how Vietnamese food is always paired with lettuce. It just gives that contrasting freshness from the fried item.

Peking Duck Rice Paper Rolls $26 and Shaking Beef Lettuce Cup $13 each

Yes, we got another two entrees because I am terribly indecisive. We then had the Peking Duck Rice Paper Rolls with spring onion and cucumber with hoi sin. This was a beautiful dish, very refreshing in-between the fried entrees and then our beef entree. Plus, duck and hoi sin are the perfect pair. But the real stand out of this evening would have to be the Shaking Beef Lettuce Cup covered in Kampot pepper sauce, red onion, tomato, and sunflower shoots. Hold the beef phone, this has got to be the most tender beef I have had in a very long time. The pepper sauce was delicious and again, the lettuce wrapped around the entire dish made for a beautiful contrasting texture. This meal is a definite if you visit Dandelion.

Tamarind and Ginger Fish Curry $37 and Grilled Sweet Corn $13

Four entrees later, it's time for our main. We were tossing between the pork hock and the fish curry. Az had already mentioned the curry and it is winter in Melbourne, so you can never go wrong with a curry. The fish curry also came with pickled cucumbers and rice. I loved the pickled sweet/sour taste with the richness of the fish curry. On the side of our main, we opted for the Grilled Sweet Corn with chilli and coriander butter. Yes, that's a thing. Chilli and coriander butter. Someone needs to get onto Coles to add it to their butter selection because it is GOOD! Literally, finger-licking good.

Marou Chocolate Creme Brûlée $17

You would think we were full by now, and we were. However, when you get good service like Az it's very hard to say no to his suggestions. So, dessert was a must. I really wish I was still eating this dessert right now. The Marou Chocolate Creme Brûlée with fresh fruits, freeze-dried mandarin and raspberry. For all the chocolate fans out there, this is a must try. It is very rich but heavenly. The mandarins allow for a nice break from the deep chocolate taste.

Overall, we had a beautiful experience at Dandelion! From the service to the cocktails to the food. I am already thinking about going again even though Melbourne has an abundance of restaurants on offer! If you are around Elwood in Melbourne, definitely head over to Dandelion, you will not be disappointed.

.